Marvin Lewis and Bengals Mutually Agree to Part Ways after 16 Seasons

Cincinnati Bengals and head coach Marvin Lewis on Monday
decided to part ways after a 16-season career that saw him become the second-longest
tenured manager in the league. New England’s Bill Belichick currently holds the
record at 19 seasons and counting.

Marvin appeared to be leaving the Bengals last season but
the organization handed him a two-year contract extension. With a 6-10 record
this season, Bengals’ owner Mike Brown reportedly made the decision to let go
the coach.

“The team is very appreciative of all that Marvin has
accomplished over the past 16 years,” Brown said in a statement. “I thank him
for what he’s meant to this franchise.”

The coach thanked the organization and the city of
Cincinnati after his release.

“I want to thank the Bengals’ organization the fans and the
city of Cincinnati for their support,” Lewis said.

Hired in 2003

Lewis was hired in 2003 and led the Bengals to the playoffs
seven times. However, the 60-year-old couldn’t lead his team past the first
round of the post season each other time. On the bright side, Marvin won the
NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2009. He also took over the Bengals when they
were still struggling and led to them to the AFC North title in 2005, their
first playoff appearance since 1990.

Lewis is reportedly interested in a coaching job and will be
looking for offers this offseason.